First snowflakes as Mt Buller gears up for another huge snow season 'on top of the world'

Mt Buller is getting set for the 2015 snow season, which kicks off in a little over two months on Saturday 6 June. 2015 is shaping up to be another exciting season on top of the world at Mt Buller, after a stellar 2014 that saw record snowfalls and visitor numbers. In 2014 the resort welcomed over 314,000 visitors, continuing Mt Buller’s lead as Victoria’s most popular alpine resort.

Over the summer season, plenty of hard work has been taking place behind the scenes, with the resort implementing a range of important upgrades both on the slopes and in the Village.

Mt Buller’s world-class snowmaking system has received a boost to the tune of around $500,000, with the purchase of a new submersible pump which will increase snowmaking capacity by 30% and allow the resort to pump 800 litres of snow per second during peak periods. Eight additional fully automatic snowmaking guns have also been purchased, to be installed on the southern side of Bourke Street, completing the automation of Mt Buller’s most popular ski run. The existing guns will be relocated to the south side of Baldy – significantly increasing the reliability of this terrain.

Also on the slopes, the much-loved Tirol T-Bar has received a major upgrade ahead of the 2015 season, with the existing diesel motor replaced by an electric version. Not only will this improve the reliability of this lift, which has been operating since 1972, but further underpins the resort’s commitment to implementing environmentally friendly solutions on the mountain.

In the Village, visitors will have a brand new dining facility to visit in 2015, with the addition of a brand new Asian food court. Located within the Mt Buller Chalet Hotel and operated by Extragreen Travel, one of Mt Buller’s most popular day tour operators, this new food court will offer Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian and Vietnamese food served in an open easy style for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Visitors looking for a unique way to enjoy the alpine environment this season can enjoy an activity often reserved for those lucky enough to visit the northern hemisphere – sled dog tours. Commencing mid-way through the 2014 snow season, the team from Australian Sled Dog Tours will return to Mt Buller with their large team of Siberian Huskies to offer a range of new tours and experiences for visitors, from a meet and greet with the dogs to an extended half-day tour.

Mt Stirling (a short car ride or stunning snowshoe walk from Mt Buller); offers visitors an authentic alpine adventure, with backcountry skiing and snowboarding, cross-country ski trails, snow camping, interpretive snowshoe walks and more. Several improvements have been made to the Mt Stirling resort for 2015, with the visitor centre receiving a significant refurbishment, and a brand new café has commenced operation, offering wholesome organic food.

Marketing and Communications Manager for Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management, Gillian Dobson, said the resort is ready for another huge snow season:

 “We can’t wait to officially open the season on June 6^th, and are hoping the snow gods provide us with plenty of reasons to celebrate. This year the resort has even more to offer our guests after a busy summer of improvements, and we’re excited to welcome everyone to enjoy Opening Weekend with us for a taster of what’s to come in 2015,” she says.

Mt Buller’s opening weekend will go off with a bang on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, 6-8 June 2015, with free entertainment, live music and activities on offer and a number of special events across the weekend. For further information, as well as accommodation bookings, visit mtbuller.com.au.

Kate Monahan

Media & Marketing Officer, Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management

T: 03 5777 6077

M: 0411 330 383

E: kate.monahan@mtbuller.com.au

Libby Blampied

Communications Executive, Buller Ski Lifts

T: 03 8480 0436

M: 0408 555 066

E: libby.blampied@skibuller.com.au